This summer school aims to explore the potential of in-between spaces/places for promoting collaborative city-making processes. Hybrid spaces, spaces in transition, boundary zones, places that are not (yet) defined, are in a state of becoming, yet to be built... will serve as the main topic and context of encounter throughout our one-week workshops-series. Participants will be involved in field trips, discussions, key-note lectures, co-creation ateliers and will explore the potential of in-between spaces as caring, inclusive and transformative places allowing engaged citizens and professionals to cope with pressing urban challenges in a collaborative manner.
The aim of the summer school is to explore research findings, theoretical frameworks, methodologies and practices focused on the role of third spaces in becoming spaces of engaged research and creative urban interventions. The summer school will look at the role played by academics, activists, civil society and policy makers in developing alternative spaces for urban participation.
The question that will run throughout the proposed activities is whether processes of collaborative city- making can thrive the transition towards more just, healthy, sustainable and inclusive cities. Who needs to be involved in such processes? What kind of methods should they build upon? What topics or challenges should they address? What values should be at the heart of these endeavors? What frictions and obstacles should one expect to encounter? How can they be dealt with? What ethical considerations need to be taken into account? What kind of equipment, competencies and financial resources do such processes require? In what way can in-between spaces/places foster such processes?
We aim to encourage dialogue over boundaries of disciplines, sectors, age, life experiences and backgrounds, building on critical, participatory and engaged methods and will work towards a shared narrative, research-agenda and instrumentarium.